Reflecting on our latest Size and Structure of the adult social care workforce report

As we launch our ‘Size and structure of the adult social care sector and workforce in England’ report, our CEO Oonagh Smyth reflects on what the latest figures tell us and what this means for social care.

Each year, the publication of our Size and structure of the adult social care sector and workforce in England report is an important moment for the sector. It gives us an opportunity to step back, look at the bigger picture and understand the trends shaping adult social care today, and what they mean for tomorrow.

Before anything else, it’s important to recognise that this report wouldn’t exist without the support of the more than 21,000 care providers who contribute their data to the Adult Social Care Workforce Data Set (ASC‑WDS). Every record updated and every workforce detail that’s shared, helps to build the most comprehensive picture we have of adult social care in England. That contribution is invaluable in ensuring the sector is properly understood and represented.

This year’s report presents a mixed picture of encouraging progress alongside ongoing challenges.

It’s positive to see that the workforce has grown for the fourth consecutive year. In 2025/26, there were 22,000 more filled posts than the year before. This continued growth reflects the determination of care providers across the country to recruit, retain and support their staff in what remains a demanding environment.

However, it’s important to recognise that this growth is slowing. The increase of 1.4% is the lowest across the last four years. While there could be a range of explanations for this, we are not seeing any evidence of reduced demand for care. In fact, the population aged over 65 continues to grow by approximately 2% per year, reinforcing that demand for services is likely to increase rather than decline.

There is also welcome news on vacancies. The vacancy rate has fallen to 6.2%, the lowest it’s been in a decade. This equates to around 96,000 vacancies on any given day - a significant reduction compared with previous years. This improvement is a testament to the hard work taking place across the sector to stabilise the workforce.

Yet the picture is more nuanced than it may seem. Vacancy rates in social care remain around three times higher than in the wider economy, underlining the ongoing challenge providers face in attracting and retaining staff.

At the same time, the number of international recruits has fallen to its lowest level in four years, reflecting changes in recruitment pathways, including the absence of a dedicated visa route. This reinforces the need to strengthen domestic recruitment and ensure social care is seen as an attractive, long-term career choice.

Looking ahead, the long-term demand for care continues to grow. With an ageing population, projections suggest the sector could need a further 410,000 posts by 2040. Meeting that demand will require sustained focus, collaboration and a clear plan for the future.

That’s why Skills for Care is working with partners across the sector to develop a 10‑year plan to attract more people into adult social care roles and support them to build rewarding careers. This work is a key part of delivering the Workforce Strategy for Adult Social Care in England and ensuring the sector is equipped to meet future challenges.

What this year’s report makes clear is that data matters. High-quality, up-to-date workforce data provides the foundation for informed decisions, better planning and meaningful change. The insights drawn from ASC‑WDS are used across the sector, from local planning to national policy, helping to ensure that decisions reflect the reality of what’s happening on the ground.

So, to every organisation that contributes to ASC‑WDS: thank you. Your data is helping to shape the future of adult social care.

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